Professional Predicaments

Practically:

• Do I need to obtain explicit informed consent for live transcription?
• How should I validate and document AI‑generated notes?
• What if the system struggles with accents, dialects, or assistive device artifacts and introduces errors?
• Our students and support personnel want to use the tool as well—what are my supervision obligations?

What does ACSLPA expect of me if I choose to use this tool?

Answer:

You are responsible and accountable for ensuring that any AI system used in your practice—including AI transcription—supports safe, competent, culturally and linguistically appropriate, and ethical care, and that you remain in compliance with the ACSLPA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. ACSLPA has developed a guideline on the Responsible use of AI in SLP and Audiology Professional Practice that addresses this new evolving area. Below are some aspects to consider:

1. Informed Consent

Before using an AI transcription tool, you should obtain informed consent from the client. This includes explaining what the tool does, how it will be used during the session, and what happens to the recorded information. Consent is an ongoing process, and clients should be reminded of the use of AI transcription tools on a regular basis. Clients should understand both the potential benefits—such as more efficient or complete documentation—and the possible risks, including privacy concerns or transcription errors. You should also discuss available alternatives and give clients the opportunity to ask questions or decline the use of the tool without affecting their care.

2. Privacy & Confidentiality

Clinicians are responsible for protecting client privacy and confidentiality when using AI transcription tools. This includes reviewing vendor privacy and data‑handling practices, limiting the use of identifiable information where possible, and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and professional requirements. Because privacy and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, clinicians must stay informed and ensure ongoing compliance, even when tools are employer‑endorsed.

3. Continuing Competence

Using AI tools requires ongoing learning and reflection. To remain competent, you should understand how the tool works, be aware of its limitations, and keep up to date with changes or updates to its functionality. Thoughtful use of AI, combined with continued professional development, helps ensure that technology supports—rather than replaces—your clinical judgment.

4. Documentation and Information Management

Any notes generated by an AI transcription system must be carefully reviewed and edited before being added to the client record. While these tools can assist with capturing information, they are not a substitute for professional judgment. You are responsible for ensuring documentation meets ACSLPA’s minimum standards and is accurate, complete, and appropriately reflects what occurred during the session, regardless of how it was created. It is also important to note that AI was used in the development of the record and was reviewed prior to acceptance.

5. Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Care

AI transcription tools do not work equally well for everyone. Their accuracy may be affected by factors such as accents, dialects, speech differences, background noise, or assistive devices. You should consider whether the tool is appropriate for each client and each session. If the tool introduces errors or fails to accurately capture the interaction, its use should be adjusted or discontinued to ensure safe and ethical care.

6. Evidence‑Informed Practice

Before using an AI transcription tool, take time to understand its intended purpose, strengths, and limitations. Consider when it makes sense to use the tool and when it may not be appropriate, based on the client, setting, or task. Using AI thoughtfully and within its evidence‑based capabilities supports sound clinical decision‑making and ethical practice.

7. Clinical Supervision

If you supervise students or support personnel, you remain responsible for how AI tools are used in their work. This includes ensuring they understand when the tool is appropriate, its limitations, and their responsibilities related to privacy, accuracy, and professional standards. You should apply the same standards of care as you would if using AI yourself. Supervision should reflect the supervisee’s level of experience and support safe, ethical practice.

8. Employer Policy

Clinicians are expected to follow employer policies related to the use of AI tools while also remaining accountable to the ACSLPA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Given the rapidly evolving nature of AI technologies, clinicians may wish to share these professional standards with employers and collaborate in developing clear, appropriate policies that support ethical and responsible AI use.

Please refer to the Implementation Checklist (page 13) in the AI guideline. It may be used to support the implementation of AI in professional practice.

Regulated members are reminded that they may contact the College if they have questions or need further clarification. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time using the Contact Us form.

If there is a conflict or discrepancy with the information or advice set out on this webpage and the information contained in a more official ACSLPA document, then the information contained in the more official ACSLPA document applies and not the information or advice set out here. For the purposes of this disclaimer, ACSLPA’s more official documents include the governing legislation (including the Health Professions Act and the Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Profession Regulation) as well as ACSLPA’s Bylaws, policies, Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, manuals and/or any other official document approved by Council, a statutory committee or a college official. Persons interacting with ACSLPA are responsible for reviewing and familiarizing themselves with the relevant information contained in ACSLPA’s official documents.